Representatives of ethnic communities serving on the Police Commissioner’s Ethnic Advisory Board have mourned the death
of a police officer this morning, expressing their solidarity with the New Zealand Police, its management and officers.
Deputy Police Commissioner (Maori, Pacific and Ethnic Services) Wallace Haumaha said that when police officers leave
home to go to work, they respond to every incident from the cradle to the grave. “But they also expect to return home at
the end of their day. Unfortunately, one of our officers did not make it home today and another is in hospital with
serious injuries,” he said. The Police Commissioner’s Ethnic Advisory Board has expressed their condolences.
Richard Leung, National President of the New Zealand Chinese Association said, “This is a sad day for the New Zealand
Police. We send our thoughts to them and the concerned families.”
Pancha Narayanan, President of the Wellington based Multicultural New Zealand said that the dangers faced by frontline
people face on a daily basis often goes unrecognised until tragedy strikes. “We express our sadness,” he said.
Ranjna Patel, Director of Tamaki Health and Chairperson of Gandhi Nivas said, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the
families, as well as the Ambulance staff and others involved.”
Paul Patel, President, New Zealand Indian Central Association said that the killing of the police officer was a
devastating loss. “We never hope to see tragedies such as this occur in New Zealand,” he said.
Anwar Ghani, Spokesperson for the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) said, “We stand together
with the New Zealand Police both as stakeholders and partners to provided whatever support is needed.”
Former Race Relations Conciliator and Founding Chair of the National African Council of New Zealand, Gregory Fortuin
said that communities, irrespective of their ethnicity stand by the Police in every moment of their work, especially at
such times of tragedy. “Our Police family will always be in our hearts and minds. There is no other place in the world
where the relationship with communities are so special and strong. We strongly condemn this evil act and are sure the
perpetrators will be brought to swift justice,” he said.
Indian Newslink Editor & General Manager Venkat Raman expressed the solidarity of all members of the Board. “Our Police go out and perform
duties so that all of us can remain and feel safe. Policing has become dangerous and our police officers are our
cherished heroes. This is a terrible day not only for the New Zealand Police but to all of us,” he said.
Rosa Chow, Chairperson, Asian Council on Reducing Crime Charitable Trust said, “We offer our sincere condolences and
prayers”
Arif Saeid, President of Refugee Council of New Zealand, “This is shocking. Our Thoughts and prayers are with the
families and we wish a swift recovery for the injured”Police Commissioner’s Ethnic Advisory Board
Richard Leung, National President, New Zealand Chinese Association Inc
Ranjna Patel, ONZM, QSM, JP, Director of Tamaki Health, Trustee of ISSO Hindu Temple, Exec Trustee of Total Healthcare,
Gandhi Nivas
Jenny Wang QSM, Executive Director, CNSST Foundation
Venkat Raman, Editor & General Manager, Indian Newslink
Arif Saeid, President of Refugee Council of New Zealand
Paul Patel,President, New Zealand Indian Central Association Inc.
Gregory Fortuin, Founding Chair National African Council of New Zealand, (Former NZ Race Relations Commissioner)
Rosa Chow, Chairperson, Asian Council on Reducing Crime Charitable Trust
Anwar Ghani, Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand
Pancha Narayanan, President Multicultural New Zealand
Venerable Abbess Manshin, Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple New Zealand